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Reggie Houser Has The Power
Book Review
it is a brilliantly funny book, that touches on the very important subject of kindness
Reggie Houser Has The Power is a brilliantly funny book, that touches on the very important subject of kindness. Reggie feels that he needs to change himself, just to be accepted. Before I read this book, I didn’t know much about ADHD, but I was horrified to read how mean and awful children can be to other children.
I wanted to go and give Reggie a ginormous bear hug and tell him everything will be ok. Throughout this book, Reggie tries to mould himself just so he is accepted, and on the path, makes some horrible choices and decisions. He alienates the people who care about him and befriends people who are nasty and horrid.
My favourite character was Lily, who despite her own shortcomings, supports Reggie unflinchingly. She is kind, generous and always helpful. She is imperfect, but the perfect friend.
This book made me laugh, but also made me emotional. I really enjoyed trying the “try this at home” tips and tricks on my dad.
About the Book
Reggie Houser has ADHD and struggles to make friends at school, plus his mum and teachers seem constantly weary about his erratic, high-energy ways.
But when he sees a hypnotist perform on stage at the holiday park he visits, Reggie becomes obsessed with learning the skills of mind control – and he discovers he has an incredible talent for it!
First of all he hypnotises the dog to think he’s a frog, then makes his headmaster cluck like a chicken in assembly in front of the whole school But then a group of mean kids supposedly take him under their wing and make him use his hypnosis talents for bad: stealing a chocolate bar from a shop and escalating to a bigger theft.
Reggie must decide to use his skills for good only and come to trust his own brain to make decisions.
Author
Helen Rutter
Helen Rutter is a British children’s author known for her warm, humorous novels for readers aged roughly 8–12, including The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh and Me and My Brian. She lives in the countryside near Sheffield and her early career included acting and stand-up comedy, which helped inspire her writing. Her books have been widely published and recognised for their empathy, humour, and approach to real childhood experiences.
Reviewer Profile
Radhika, 8
- Reviews: 13
- Likes: acting, guitar, maths, painting & daydreaming
- Dislikes : eating, running and loud noises
- Favourite Book: Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
- Favourite Song: Golden by KPop Demon Hunters
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